In Chinese history, Liu Shan, the later emperor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, was derogatorily called "the unsupportable A Dou", an image deeply ingrained in people's minds. However, is this appellation fair? Was Liu Shan really a weak and incompetent monarch, as stated by later generations? This article will explore Liu Shan's true abilities and the truth behind the label of "the unsupportable A Dou" through the analysis of historical materials.

I. The Origin of "the Unsupportable A Dou"

The saying "the unsupportable A Dou" originated from the description in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", where Liu Shan was portrayed as a foolish and incompetent figure. However, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is a historical novel with many exaggerated and fictional elements, so it cannot be used as the sole basis for judging Liu Shan's abilities.

II. The True Face of Liu Shan

According to historical records, during Liu Shan's reign, although he depended politically on assistants such as Zhuge Liang, he was not completely incompetent. During his reign, Shu Han was relatively stable internally, and there was some economic and cultural development. Liu Shan himself also had a certain level of cultural cultivation, enjoying calligraphy and painting. His rule was recognized, to some extent, by his subjects.

III. Liu Shan's Political Environment

Evaluating Liu Shan's abilities cannot be divorced from his political environment. Located in the southwestern corner of the Three Kingdoms, Shu Han had limited resources and a sparse population, facing pressure from the states of Wei and Wu. It was already difficult for Liu Shan to maintain the country's independence and internal stability. Although he failed to expand territory during his reign, he also did not allow the country to fall into division or destruction.

IV. A Fair Evaluation of Liu Shan

Historical evaluations are often influenced by the concepts of later generations. As a monarch, Liu Shan may not have had outstanding military talent or political acumen, but he was not completely incompetent. His failures were more due to his extremely disadvantageous position and lack of sufficient support and resources. Therefore, it is unfair to simply degrade him as "the unsupportable A Dou".

Conclusion:

Historically, Liu Shan was not the complete "unsupportable A Dou" described in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Under his rule, although Shu Han did not become powerful, it maintained a certain degree of stability and development. The evaluation of Liu Shan should be more comprehensive and objective, not solely based on portrayals in literary works. Clearing his name is a respect for history and a fair treatment of this later emperor of Shu Han.

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